AFTER-training catch-ups and meals are out for the time being with AFL Victoria announcing a 'get in, train, get out' mantra. The state body on Tuesday announced strict social distancing protocols for new-look training sessions, including no tackling, marking, or bumping contests, while the sport navigates its way back from a coronavirus-enforced break. High-fives and handshakes are also out while clubs, including those in the Hampden, Warrnambool and District, South West and Mininera and District leagues, must stagger training across different nights and times to avoid player crossovers. Players can train in groups of 10 with two allowed on an oval at any one time at either end of the ground. The groups can't mix. Players can't share personal items such as drink bottles, towels and food and are responsible for their own strapping for injuries. Footballs are to be wiped down with sanitiser and change rooms will remain closed and each club must appoint a COVID-19 safety officer. There is no word on when the restrictions will ease and grassroots clubs can return to contact work. AFL Western District commercial and operations manager Matt Ross said clubs would be in charge of their return-to-training plans. "It is important to note that May 25 is the date that club-sanctioned training can commence within the scope of the protocols but is not the date clubs must commence training," he said. Warrnambool coach Matt O'Brien on Sunday said clubs would have to be agile with the restrictions and learn how to manage their large training squads. "I was disappointed to see there was only two groups of 10 on the ground," he said. "Even at junior footy you've probably got a squad of 22 to 24 kids and senior footy you've got seniors and reserves and maybe some under 18s training as well. "You could potentially have 40 (at one time) so managing that could be really difficult." Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west.

AFL Victoria says 'get in, train, get out'

SAFETY FIRST: Players can return to training next week but there's strict guidelines in place to combat COVID-19. Picture: Morgan Hancock

AFTER-training catch-ups and meals are out for the time being with AFL Victoria announcing a 'get in, train, get out' mantra.

The state body on Tuesday announced strict social distancing protocols for new-look training sessions, including no tackling, marking, or bumping contests, while the sport navigates its way back from a coronavirus-enforced break.

High-fives and handshakes are also out while clubs, including those in the Hampden, Warrnambool and District, South West and Mininera and District leagues, must stagger training across different nights and times to avoid player crossovers.

Players can train in groups of 10 with two allowed on an oval at any one time at either end of the ground.

The groups can't mix.

BANNED: Warrnambool's Darcy Graham and Angus Lowe test each other's strength earlier this year. Training will return next week after the coronavirus break but will not include physical skills for the time being. Picture: Morgan Hancock

Players can't share personal items such as drink bottles, towels and food and are responsible for their own strapping for injuries.

Footballs are to be wiped down with sanitiser and change rooms will remain closed and each club must appoint a COVID-19 safety officer.

There is no word on when the restrictions will ease and grassroots clubs can return to contact work.

AFL Western District commercial and operations manager Matt Ross said clubs would be in charge of their return-to-training plans.

"It is important to note that May 25 is the date that club-sanctioned training can commence within the scope of the protocols but is not the date clubs must commence training," he said.

SKILL SESSIONS: South Rovers recruit Kurt Lenehan at Walter Oval earlier this year before COVID-19 stopped training in its tracks. Kick to kick will be allowed under strict training protocols when footy training returns next week. Picture: Morgan Hancock

Warrnambool coach Matt O'Brien on Sunday said clubs would have to be agile with the restrictions and learn how to manage their large training squads.

"I was disappointed to see there was only two groups of 10 on the ground," he said.

"Even at junior footy you've probably got a squad of 22 to 24 kids and senior footy you've got seniors and reserves and maybe some under 18s training as well.

"You could potentially have 40 (at one time) so managing that could be really difficult."

Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west.